Who we are and what we do
The Bonfire Boyes have organised the annual Bonfire Night celebrations in Winchelsea since 1996, reviving a tradition that is particularly strong in Sussex. Since 1999, we have staged bonfires in Rookery Field (courtesy of the National Trust and the Palmers of Wickham Manor Farm). Although a small society, the Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes have earned a reputation for putting on magnificent firework displays. The event is very popular with families, as the Bonfire Night celebrations in neighbouring towns like Rye and Battle are very crowded, and can be intimidating for small children.
The Bonfire Boyes also put on special firework displays for national celebrations like the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and the 50th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days. They also mark the start and finish of the two-minute silence on Remembrance Day in Winchelsea by firing maroons.
  
The Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes are a member of the Sussex Bonfire Council.
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night begins with the Guy being paraded through the village on a cart accompanied by a torchlight procession and marches through the village to the Rookery Field, led by our drummers. The Guy is then placed on top of the bonfire and we recite the Bonfire Prayer, after which, torches are thrust into the bonfire to light it. In 2009, we burnt our first effigy. We're not sure if we will have one every year.
 
After the Guy has been burnt, there is a firework display. Since 2004, the fireworks have been set up and fired by professional pyrotechnicians. Their participation permits larger and more spectacular fireworks than would otherwise be allowed. You can see more pictures of Bonfire Night 2009 in the photogallery.
 
Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes do not advertise Bonfire Night. Please note that anyone with personal fireworks or alcohol, anyone behaving irresponsibly and any unaccompanied children will be barred from the procession and the bonfire field. If you join the procession and/or come into the bonfire field to watch the bonfire and firework display, it will be at your own risk. And remember, the bonfire field is uneven (it is a field!) and it will be dark.
 
The Winchelsea Bonfire Prayer
Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes
'twas his intent
To blow the King and Parliament;
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch't
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Hurrah!
Bonfire Night by Lucia, age 3
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Dates in the Bonfire Boyes' 2012 calendar
Volunteers
We need lots of volunteers to build the bonfire, carry torches, dress up and marshall the procession. Bonfire building starts at Rookery Field about 10:00am on the morning of Bonfire Night. We hold our AGM at lunchtime by the bonfire. Wear old clothes and wellies, and bring gardening or working gloves, if you have them.
Volunteers are even more welcome to help clear up on the day after Bonfire Night. We start at about 10:00am.
If you would like to become a Winchelsea Bonfire Boy, contact us on 225333 or e-mail us directly.
Paying for Bonfire Night
The Bonfire Boyes will need at least £3,400 next year to pay for fireworks, insurance and other expenses (see our inspected annual accounts). This money comes from a collection held on Bonfire Night and several fund-raising events during the year: Curry Night in February, the Hog Roast in July, outdoor theatre in August and sometimes a Christmas play in December. In 2010, we also hosted a concert as part of the Rye Festival, featuring top folk band, Show of Hands. We have occasionally received grants for equipment (see below). Use of Rookery Field is provided without charge by Sally and Mason Palmer of Wickham Manor Farm, with the permission of the National Trust.
Organising Bonfire Night
An awful lot of hard work goes into organising Bonfire Night. Notifications have to be given to the Ambulance Service, English Heritage, Natural England, the Environmental Health Department of Rother District Council, the Fire and Rescue Service and various units of Sussex Police. A written risk assessment and proof of insurance cover has to be provided to some agencies.
Great care is taken to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. The procession and bonfire are well marshalled, and the firework display is managed by professionals, who are separately insured, produce their own risk assessment, ensure that safe distances (as specified in DTI guidance) are placed between the audience and the firework display, and that debris falls away from the village. We also have a child protection policy. Residents are reminded to expect noise in advance of the event. Thank you for grants
The Bonfire Boyes have been lucky enough to secure grants from generous donors for equipment, including drums. We should like to thank the O2 Community Foundation and the Sussex Community Foundation.
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